A dozen charges laid after fraudsters pose as legal experts
Posted Sep 5, 2025 09:55:32 AM.
Last Updated Sep 5, 2025 09:58:01 AM.
Multiple charges were laid against two women in what Ottawa police are calling an inheritance scam.
Officials stated in a press release that this scheme has been ongoing since 2023, and over the course of that time, they received nine reports from individuals who were told they would receive a large inheritance if they first paid outstanding taxes.
Victims were told by the two women who were impersonating legal professionals that they would be repaid in full with significant returns once the fake estate was released, police said. The suspects presented forged documents to make the scam appear real, but none of the money was ever returned.
As a result of the investigation, the Ottawa police financial crimes unit laid a dozen charges in connection with the case.
Sheri White, 52, has been charged with:
- Unauthorized use of credit card data ×2
- Obtain by false pretence ×2
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- Fraud not exceeding $5,000 ×4
- Fraud exceeding $5,000 ×2
- Forgery ×5
- Personation to gain advantage ×3
Dina Pisani, 58, is facing charges of:
- Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence
- Fraud not exceeding $5,000 ×4
- Fraud exceeding $5,000 ×2
- Forgery ×5
- Personation to gain advantage ×3
Anyone with more information related to this investigation is asked to contact the OPS Financial Crimes Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5292.
